Guitarist Daryl Stuermer reinvents Genesis experience live

Daryl Stuermer/Trio Performance, featuring the namesake Genesis touring member and lead guitarist for much of Collins’ solo career, is booked Aug. 12 in Frankfort.

“They’re going to hear songs they know. I will put my twist on those songs, but they will be happy with them. Everybody that comes to the show says, ‘I really like your version of ‘Throwing It All Away,’ ” Stuermer said.

“People will enjoy my version of those songs they’re familiar with. Even my original songs, which maybe they haven’t heard, tend to work with this. It’s got the same energy level. It’s not like all of a sudden you’re hearing a jazz tune. It stays in the progressive rock or jazz fusion I play.”Stuermer replaced Genesis lead guitarist Steve Hackett for live performances more than three decades ago.

“When I joined Genesis in 1978, I came from playing with Jean-Luc Ponty, who was one of the great jazz violinists in the world. That was basically jazz fusion music,” said Stuermer, adding that his live Genesis favorites include “Just a Job to Do,” “Domino” and “Firth of Fifth.”

“Genesis was more of progressive rock music. To me, it all works because that’s what I came from. I was fortunate to not just be a traditional jazz player or traditional rock guitarist. It worked for me in both cases.”

Stuermer, who alternates performing guitar and bass live with Genesis’ Mike Rutherford, said he relishes the chance to play the opposite instrument for his own concerts.

“It’s almost like a new twist to be playing guitar on these particular songs. I was able to put my own feel (on them),” said Stuermer, who is working on an album covering Genesis songs and another release featuring different versions of some of his material plus Steely Dan, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton covers.

In addition to working with Genesis, Stuermer has collaborated on Collins’ solo material since the early 1980s.

“The music’s great and the people are so easy to get along with. Since 1978, I don’t think I would stay there if I didn’t like them personally. It’s been a great ride and a great career all these years and also to be able to work on Phil Collins’ solo albums since 1981 since we did ‘In the Air Tonight,'” Stuermer said.

“It’s a mix of working with Genesis half the time and the other half working with Phil Collins solo. It’s been a great career all the way around.”

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

Daryl Stuermer/Trio Performance

When: 8 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Aug. 12, rain or shine

Where: CD & ME, 23320 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort

Tickets: $20 for general admission, $45 for dinner and show (cash bar), $75 for VIP front-row seating with 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. meet-and-greet and 1.5 hours of premium bar

Information: 815-469-7315 or cdandme.com; darylstuermer.com

Etc.: part of the Wednesday Night Acoustic Series; attendees must be age 21 or older